I interviewed Becky Blue, who retired from nursing at 57. She began traveling the world at age 65, became an entrepreneur at 60, and is the author of “Turning: The Magic and Mystery of More Days.”
She and her husband co-own the Jessup Cellars Winery in the Napa Valley city of Yountville, California
Watch our video interview on YouTube, here.
Here are highlights from our interview
After Becky retired she began writing a blog. She had written a bit before but wanted to put herself more into her writing. When she turned 60, she panicked about reaching that age, but as a Geriatric nurse, she knew what was expected and wanted to write about it.
That happened during the pandemic which is when she began writing her book. Her book reflects the things she used to teach people about aging and her experiences going through the aging process.
She also found that she had a bigger mission to change the culture of how people feel about aging and talks about it in her book.
Inspired by author Peter Bergman, Becky says we can change the culture of aging by writing story-worthy things and telling our story or by telling other people’s story-worthy things.
It’s all about connection
Becky began traveling late in life in her 60s after her kids were gone and when she had more time. She and her husband went to places like New Zealand and Italy. Even though she loves traveling, she also realized how much she loves home and community.
If you’re out in the community with a curious mind and can say hello to people you don’t know, you get the perks of traveling without stepping on an airplane.
You may even find that their amazing story will enrich your life.
When you are somewhere or just sitting on a park bench, take the time to ask yourself, “What am I hearing? What am I seeing? What am I smelling? What am I feeling?” Those things can liven up your spirit.
You may not jot them down, but that type of exercise helps keep you sharp.
Feed your spirit
As we age, we tend to focus on what we see in the mirror or how our body feels. But we may also be thinking about our minds. “How do we stay stimulated? Feeding the spirit, whether it is faith in a greater being or whatever you call your spirit, is where the power lands.
Her book begins with looking outside of ourselves, looking up, and listening for what our bigger callings are. “Where can I be of the most use to the world right now?”
Becky’s businesses
Becky started a business related to her book as a speaker and co-owns the winery. She loves meeting all the people who walk into the tasting room and visiting with them, especially those who want to learn about wine.
Her litmus test for friends is curious people.
What is waiting in the wings for you?
Solo traveling for many is a way Becky believes to explore new things. She also recently took up ballet which she had done earlier in her life. Part of the reason was that she is obsessed with fall prevention and having good balance.
Before she took classes, she spent about 6 months doing ballet on YouTube.
You might want to reach back to those things you were curious about in the past. You don’t have to be perfect.
Don’t be afraid to talk about aging
Ask yourself, “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?”
People often say “60 is the new 40” but Becky’s take is “60 is the new 60.”
What do you think? Is 60 the new 60? Please leave a comment below.
Looks like a great read! Love anything inspiring about aging. I’ll check it out.